Ministry Begins Enforcement of National Country Planning Act, Warns Illegal Developers

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has commenced strict enforcement of the National Country Planning Act, 2025, warning that individuals undertaking physical developments without the required approvals risk arrest, prosecution, heavy fines and imprisonment.

The enforcement exercise, announced on Thursday, 23 July 2026, marks the implementation of the new legislation aimed at promoting orderly development, protecting environmentally sensitive areas and ensuring compliance with planning regulations nationwide.

Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senessie, said all developers, landowners, contractors and members of the public are required to obtain planning permission before commencing any construction or physical development.

He said the Ministry will collaborate with the Sierra Leone Police, other security agencies and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective enforcement of the law.

Under Section 87 of the National Country Planning Act, 2025, the construction of houses, fences, warehouses, stores, shops, extensions or any other form of physical development is prohibited without prior planning approval and approved structural plans.

The Ministry warned that persons found violating the Act will be arrested and prosecuted, with convicted offenders liable to a fine of not less than NLe120,000, imprisonment for a minimum of two years, or both.

To promote compliance, the Ministry said it will launch nationwide public awareness campaigns through radio, television, newspapers and social media to educate citizens about their responsibilities under the new legislation.

The Ministry said the enforcement measures are designed to reduce illegal construction, improve public safety, protect environmentally sensitive areas and promote sustainable urban and rural development across Sierra Leone.